Peter Macfarlane has been testing the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip. Read his review.
The Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip is a heavier weight top for cooler weather in the hills, and works well for three season use on tracks and trails too.
Peter Macfarlane’s verdict
On cold winter hill days the Classic has been excellent. It’s even better on cool windy days with just a windshirt over the top.- fit
- comfort
- warm for high activity outside of winter
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $120 / £109.99 (available from Smartwool) Weight: 318g (L) Materials: 100% merino wool Features: high collar with ¼ length zip, flat seams Sizes: M-XXL Women’s Version? Yes smartwool.co.uk |
The 250gsm merino fabric is cut slim, with a long body and long arms. Articulation at the shoulders is decent and while a high arm lift does tug a little at the body, it stays tucked in well enough. The hem and cuffs have matching, rolled back hemming which allows a little extra stretch on the cuffs to enable rolling up over the elbows.
The seams are all flat locked and comfortable but it’s worth noting that the shoulder seams are rolled forward and sit on the collar bone just where a pack strap sits. I’ve been layered up wearing this most times so it hasn’t been an issue.
The fabric is excellent, very comfortable with good stretch. It wicks well and is excellent at repelling odours over long term use. The heavier weight does mean a slower drying time and I find I can overheat when working hard which can then wet the fabric out, but as long as I keep moving after the steep sections I don’t feel I chill as I dry out.
The collar is high and snug with a zipped entry for welcome ventilation. The zip has an internal baffle but no beard guard, but the zip closes and has a snag free profile which has been very welcome. The zip pull is chunky enough to be usable even with thicker gloves.
On cold winter hill days the Classic has been excellent. It’s even better on cool windy days with just a windshirt over the top.
Testing conditions
Peter has used these base layers as daily wear for nearly a year, on and off the hills, working hard on Munros or while repairing deer fencing as a countryside ranger. Each had a week’s constant wear to test the anti-odour qualities, and they’ve been through dozens of wash cycles. Peter is a size large and is 5’9’ tall. This review was first published in the March 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
